Holland Archives - Newport Dispatch

Snowmobile crash with injury in Holland

Published on March 6, 2019 in Derby Line/Holland/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A 49-year-old man from Morgan was taken to the hospital after a snowmobile crash on Tuesday.

At around 9:00 p.m. the incident was reported on VAST trail 105, in Holland.

Members of the Derby Line Fire Department located the male and transported him down the trail to the ambulance.

The operator of the snowmobile was identified as Brian Judd.

According to the report, Judd was traveling east and was unable to maintain his lane of travel around a right-hand corner.

He traveled off the trail and into several trees.

Judd was transported to North Country Hospital.

Police say the crash is still being investigated, and that no information about his injuries is available at this time.

Driver in fatal West Charleston crash sentenced

Published on December 24, 2018 in Charleston/Derby/Holland/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — The driver during a fatal crash in West Charleston that took the lives of two Orleans County residents back in 2016, has been sentenced.

Earlier in the year Joshua Cole pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and gross negligent operation, and last week was sentenced to serve eight to 15 years behind bars.

Back in May of 2016, Cole was driving a 1994 Honda Prelude in the town of West Charleston when he lost control while exiting a sharp corner.

The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, where it struck a large tree.

Three passengers in the Honda at the time were all ejected from the vehicle.

Esperanza Robles, 29, of Derby Line, and Ryan Coulter, 26, of Newport, were killed during the crash.

Amanda Letourneau, of East Charleston, suffered head and leg injuries.

Investigators said that speed and alcohol were both factors in the crash.

While facing manslaughter charges, Cole was arrested in Holland back in August of 2017, after police said he was driving an ATV and almost ran into a car on Gore Road.

After the new charges, a judge ordered that he be held without bail pending the trial in this manslaughter case.

Man injured, calves killed in Holland barn fire

Published on November 14, 2018November 14, 2018 in Holland/News/Stanstead by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A man was injured, and several calves killed after a barn fire broke out late Tuesday morning in Holland.

Firefighters were notified at around 11:40 a.m. of the incident at the Champney farm, located on School Road.

Cows were seen wandering the area after being herded out of the barn.

While trying to stop the fire, a worker at the farm suffered burn injuries and had to be transported to North Country Hospital.

Several others suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene.

Crews from Derby Line, and Stanstead, Quebec, were able to contain the fire, and keep it from spreading throughout the barn.

Around six claves were killed in the incident.

The fire originated when fuel ignited while a piece of gas-powered equipment inside the barn was being worked on.

A section of the barn will have to be torn down due to the damage, but most of it is salvageable.

There is no update yet as to the condition of the injured man.

[VIDEO] Political Forum: Orleans-1 House District

Published on September 19, 2018September 19, 2018 in Brownington/Charleston/Derby/Holland/Morgan/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — Last night a political forum was held in the Goodrich Memorial Library.

It featured three candidates running in the Orleans-1 House District, which represents Brownington, Charleston, Derby, Holland, and Morgan.

The candidates are Independent Frank Davis of Derby Line and Republican incumbents Lynn Batchelor of Derby Line and Brian Smith of Derby.

Each candidate received time to introduce themselves and make closing arguments.

The sounds of the underground lives in Holland

Published on May 21, 2018 in Holland/News/Northeast Kingdom by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — The underground music scene in the northern Northeast Kingdom is thriving and it lives in Holland.

Andy Bouchard, through his production company Borderline Entertainment, is queuing up music acts for the summer that will take place at The Barrage, an all ages, alternative performance space focused on bringing independent alternative musical styles to the NEK that are not usually heard live outside of the cities.

“I’m doing this because I believe more people of the Northeast Kingdom listen to independent style music than the radio station market would lead people to believe,” says Bouchard. “Plus, I was sick of driving to Burlington to have an evening of enjoying different and new independent alternative music, and I feel like there’s a solid amount of people up here who feel the same way.”

The Barrage will kick off its second summer on Thursday, May 24 with “Get the Punk Outside,” a show featuring The Inhalants, a punk group from Ontario, and The Neighbors Hate Us, a group of local loud rockers.

The venue will host four shows and a farm soiree throughout the summer with the possibility of a couple of shows cropping up along the way.

All the shows are opened to the public and are priced on a sliding scale between $5 and $15 with generosity for the traveling artists being greatly appreciated.

“Nobody is not invited,” says Bouchard while adding, “except jerks, they’re totally not invited.”

According to Bouchard, his only worry about having a music venue out in Holland is that more people will now know just how beautiful Holland is – a secret he said he’s willing to share.

“My hope for this whole venture is for good music and good times to be coming to our area,” he says.

The Barrage is located on Stearns Brook Road in Holland.

Just follow the signs saying “Rock and Roll.”

To find out more information about shows coming to The Barrage check out Borderline Entertainment on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/borderline.vt.us.

Caswell Avenue bridge in Derby Line closed

Published on April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 in Derby Line/Holland/News by Dispatch Media

DERBY LINE — The Caswell Avenue bridge over I-91 at the U.S. – Canadian border is closed.

Motorists using Caswell Avenue to cross I-91 are being directed down the on-ramps to a temporary traffic signal, before crossing the interstate and continuing on toward Holland or Derby Line.

The Caswell Avenue bridge project will replace the bearings, structural steel, deck, pavement, and railing on the existing bridge.

Construction is scheduled to last until October.

The bridge will remain closed during this time.

Police in Orleans County looking for mailbox vandals

Published on April 10, 2018April 10, 2018 in Brighton/Charleston/Holland/Morgan by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — Local police are seeking the public’s assistance after a number of mailboxes were vandalized in five towns over the weekend.

On Friday, police were alerted to several mailboxes that were vandalized and a few that were missing from the Holland, Morgan, and Charleston towns sometime during the night.

Then on Saturday, police responded to several more reports that mailboxes were vandalized in the Newark, Brighton, and Charleston areas.

The victims say they thought they heard something at around midnight.

The Vermont State Police is asking for the public to assist in solving these crimes.

Mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law makes it a crime to vandalize them. Violators can be fined up to $250,000, or imprisoned for up to three years, for each act of vandalism.

If anyone has any information about the individuals or vehicles involved, or perhaps someone was able to capture something on their surveillance or game cameras, contact the Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881.

Expect delays as I-91 bridge into Derby Line set to close

Published on March 30, 2018 in Derby/Derby Line/Holland/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

DERBY LINE — Work on the Caswell Avenue bridge connecting Derby Line and Holland over Interstate 91 is set to start April 2, and the state is warning motorists to expect delays.

Construction is scheduled to last until October. The bridge will remain closed during this time.

Traffic using Caswell Avenue to cross the Interstate will be directed down the I-91 on-ramps to a temporary traffic signal.

The signal will periodically stop north and southbound traffic on I-91 to allow cross traffic from Caswell Avenue to proceed.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation says during construction, left turns from I-91 entering the on-ramp toward Derby Line will not be allowed. Northbound I-91 traffic traveling to Derby Line will need to use exit 28 and follow detour signs along US Route 5.

Likewise, southbound traffic along I-91 traveling from Canada to Holland will also be detoured to exit 28 and I-91 north.

Uniformed traffic officers will be on hand to help motorists negotiate the detours during the first few days of construction.

The Caswell Avenue bridge project will replace the bearings, structural steel, deck, pavement, and railing on the existing bridge.

One of the supporting piers will be removed and the cap beams on the remaining three piers will be rebuilt. The existing abutments will be retained.

The current bridge was constructed in 1962.

The new bridge will be a paved concrete deck supported by un-painted steel girders. There will be two travel lanes and two wide shoulders for pedestrian and bicycle use.

The project is expected to cost over $5 million to complete.

Public meeting to be held on conserved lands in Norton and Holland

Published on March 13, 2018 in Holland/Northeast Kingdom/Norton by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — The Vermont departments of Fish & Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, & Recreation are holding a public meeting to discuss future management and use of a group of conserved lands in the Northeast Kingdom.

The meeting will discuss the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area, Black Turn Brook State Forest, and Averill Mountain Wildlife Management Area, primarily in the towns of Norton and Holland.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Brighton Elementary School.

“These lands occupy a special place in Vermont, with vast areas of both softwood and hardwood forest, numerous ponds and streams, and many opportunities for remote experiences,” said Doug Morin, a biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

This is part of the routine management planning process for state lands owned by the Agency of Natural Resources.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public to provide input on how the lands may best be used for sustainable forestry, fish and wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.

“Large areas of interconnected conserved lands with healthy forests and waters such as these are essential in Vermont,” Morin said. “They form the foundation of the state’s working landscape, providing areas for outdoor recreation, tourism, and sustainable forestry practices.”

The public may also submit comments directly until April 20, 2018.

For more information about the meeting or the planning process, or to submit a comment, contact Doug Morin at doug.morin@vermont.gov.

Police looking for driver after high-speed chase in Derby Line / Holland

Published on December 3, 2017 in Derby Line/Holland/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — Police are looking for the driver of a pickup truck involved in a high-speed chase near the Derby Line and Holland border on Saturday.

Troopers were on patrol on the Valley Road in Holland at around 6:00 p.m. when a pickup truck was observed traveling east on Valley Road from the Derby Line/Holland town line, near Twin Bridges Road.

Police say the truck was clocked at 93 MPH in the posted 50 MPH zone and was observed crossing the center line.

As the trooper turned around and activated his emergency lights and siren, the truck failed to stop and continued east on Valley Road at a high rate of speed, continuing to operate recklessly while passing other vehicles.

The trooper was eventually forced to reduce speed and discontinue for safety reasons and lost sight of the truck on Valley Road.

Police say a follow-up investigation is being conducted, and the vehicle is described as a new model GMC pickup truck, likely a 2016 Sierra 1500, dark in color.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the driver or the pickup truck, including those who may have witnessed the incident, are encouraged to contact VSP-Derby at (802) 334-8881.

Local students recognized for land stewardship

Published on July 13, 2017 in Brownington/Holland/Newport/News/Northeast Kingdom by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — Each year, the Vermont Land Trust gives out the Land Stewards Award to qualified juniors and seniors who attend vocational and technical high schools across the state.

The students are nominated by their teachers because of their commitment to agriculture and/or forestry.

This year, local students Carter Aldrich and Parker Castle received the award and a $250 cash prize from Vermont Land Trust representatives.

Aldrich, from Brownington, and a student at Lake Region Union High School, led his class maple sugaring field trip and planned activities for a crew of eight students who boiled sap in a small arch evaporator the class made.

He is involved with his family’s business, Northeast Agricultural Sales, Inc. He has also been the president of the Lake Region FFA chapter for two years.

Aldrich has excelled in his agriculture classes, including shop, art of welding, diversified agriculture, and sustainable living.

Thinking toward the future, he would like to attend Paul Smith’s College to become a game warden or continue his family’s agricultural sales business.

Parker Castle, from Holland, is a student at North Country Career Center. He is involved with his family’s sugaring operation, and took a lead role this year in all aspects of production, from tapping to boiling.

He is a Nordic skier and maintains and grooms trails on his family’s land. He wants to obtain his pilot’s license and hopes to use this skill in a forestry career. He will be attending Paul Smith’s College this fall to study forestry.

Castle is also a part of the local FFA club, participating in fundraisers, community suppers, and the State FFA Convention.

He recently joined his Natural Resources teacher, Mr. Sam Nijensohn, and fellow students for a Vermont Forest Products Association regional meeting.

“Parker is a great role model,” wrote Mr. Nijensohn. “He spends a lot of extra time at school whenever the need or opportunity arises to help make his class successful. For example, he has come in on his own time to plow snow and to boil sap.”

Car hits cow in Holland

Published on May 26, 2017May 26, 2017 in Derby Line/Holland by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A car hit a cow that wandered into the road in Holland on Wednesday.

According to police, at around 9:00 p.m. they responded to a single-vehicle crash on the Valley Road.

The driver, identified as Amanda Blake, of Derby Line, was traveling west when she struck a cow in the travel portion of the roadway.

According to a statement issued by VSP Trooper Abigail Drew, Blake and her three young children were brought to North Country Hospital by a family member as a precaution.

The vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Journey, was totaled in the crash.

Newport Dispatch put in several calls to Trooper Drew requesting more information on this incident, but calls were never returned.

9th Annual Dandelion Run to be held May 20

Published on May 1, 2017May 1, 2017 in Arts and Entertainment/Derby/Holland/Morgan/Newport/News/Outdoors by Dispatch Media

DERBY — The Dandelion Run is back on May 20, 2017. The run offers varying distances from one mile to a half marathon on dirt roads through the “world famous” dandelion fields of Morgan, Holland, and Derby.

It’s held in honor and memory of Terri Weed, a 15-year-old girl who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence on May 21, 1981.

For each adult registration, 20 percent will be donated to support Umbrella and its advocacy and support of victims of violence.

“The Dandy” is held in conjunction with the Dandelion Fiddlefest celebrating “High Spring” in the Northeast Kingdom, a time when the dandelions are at their peak.

As in previous years, Reckless Breakfast, a contemporary bluegrass band will be playing at the corner of Dumas and Hayward Hollow Roads.

Champion master fiddler, Scott Campbell will be playing at Route 111 and the North Gore Road. Patti Casey of Montpelier will be back at the corner of Route 111 and Dumas Road. Courtney Drew, an 18-year-old fiddler from Quebec, will be playing at the one mile turnaround.

Rick Geisel, Don Houghton, and Terri Churchill will be playing at other locations along the course.

The running and walking options include a 13.1 mile, 10 km, 4 mile, 2 mile and 1 mile. The ages of runners and walkers typically range from 4 years old to 80 years old. Each year many local schools field teams of young runners.

Last year, Community National Bank helped organize the first 4 mile walk, which was very popular and which we expect will grow.

The bank’s Community Circle members put on their walking shoes and enjoyed the event festivities with the other “Dandy” participants from many other states.

The Dandy is widely recognized as one of the top running races in Vermont. It has been featured several times in Vermont Sports Magazine and was named one of the best events in Vermont by Yankee Magazine in 2011.

Already runners have been signing up from California, Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, all over Vermont, The Eastern Townships of Quebec, Quebec City, Montreal, and Ontario.

Online registration is open at www.dandelionrun.org.

Two-car crash on I-91 in Newport

Published on March 4, 2017 in Holland/Irasburg/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — A two-car crash took place on I-91 in Newport this morning.

At around 8:00 a.m. police were dispatched to the scene, located near mile marker 170 on I-91 North.

Both lanes of travel were temporarily blocked, and visibility was limited at the time due to gusting wind.

According to police, Melanie Butler, 41, of Holland, had been traveling north with traffic, when another vehicle, driven by Branden Schauer, 24, of Irasburg, struck her vehicle from the rear.

Schauer then collided with the west guardrail.

State Police, Border Patrol, and Derby Line EMS assisted, and a lane of travel was opened.

Both vehicles were moved to the shoulder.

Police say Butler and Schauer declined EMS services.

Police: Holland man facing assault charges

Published on January 22, 2017 in Derby/Holland/News by Dispatch Media

DERBY — A 35-year-old man from Holland is facing charges after police say he assaulted a man in Derby.

According to the report, on January 9, at 12:30 p.m. police responded to a report of an assault that had taken place at a local business in Derby.

Arlo Rhein, 19, of Derby, told police that Sean Dickerson, 35, of Holland, entered the business and began punching and strangling him.

An employee was able to separate Dickerson from Rhein.

Dickerson then left the business.

Police say attempts were made to locate Dickerson that day.

He was later located and issued a citation to appear in Orleans County Court to answer to this assault.

30 calves killed in barn fire in Holland

Published on December 12, 2016December 12, 2016 in Holland by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A calf barn caught fire in Holland on Friday and left 30 calves dead, and about as many injured.

The incident took place at around 9:00 p.m. at Kieth Gray’s farm located on Valley Road, inside a barn that housed about 160 calves.

Firefighters from Derby Line were quick to attack the blaze, with mutual aid coming down from Stanstead, Quebec.

The fire was under control in about an hour, leaving the north end of the structure badly damaged.

Firefighters did manage to save about two-thirds of the barn.

About thirty calves perished in the fire.

“We lost roughly thirty animals and are treating about the same amount with antibiotics, due to smoke inhalation,” Trevor Gray said. “It’s hard to say how many animals we’ll be able to save, but hopefully all of them.”

Gray said the farm has received overwhelming support from the community following the incident, with many people stopping in and asking how they can help.

He also credits the swift response from firefighters with saving most of the barn.

Click below to hear a short interview with Trevor Gray:

Border Patrol locates missing hunter in remote area of Norton

Published on November 20, 2016November 20, 2016 in Holland/News/Norton by Dispatch Media

NORTON — The search for a missing hunter in Holland came to a happy ending on Sunday afternoon.

At 1:00 p.m. Border Patrol located 72-year-old John “Jack” Chapman walking in a very remote area of Norton.

Chapman was brought to North Country Hospital in Newport to be treated.

On Wednesday night police were notified that Chapman, a resident of Brattleboro, was missing after he set out hunting off South Shore Road in Holland.

A multi-agency rescue team immediately began attempts to locate him, with the search starting in the area of Holland Pond on Thursday morning.

The rescue happened just in the nick of time, as Northern Vermont is under a winter storm warning, expecting four to eight inches of snow.

The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, Border Patrol, New England K9, Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team, Vermont KSAR, Rescue Inc, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife all took part in the rescue effort.

There is no word as to Chapman’s condition, but he is believed to be in good health.

Search underway for missing hunter in Holland

Published on November 18, 2016November 18, 2016 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A search for a missing hunter in Holland is underway and expected to continue through the weekend, police say.

On Wednesday, at around 10:00 p.m. police were notified of an overdue hunter on South Shore Road.

Police say they immediately began attempts to locate John “Jack” Chapman, 72, from Brattleboro.

Rescue teams began searching the area of Holland Pond on Thursday morning.

Police say the search is ongoing at this time.

Efforts to locate Chapman are expected to continue over the weekend.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Derby State Police barracks at 802-334-8881.

Standoff in Holland ends in self-inflicted gunshot wound

Published on August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A 63-year-old Holland man was injured in an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound today.

Police say they responded to 928 Valley Road for a welfare check on Dennis Belanger, 63, of Holland, after he had not contacted anyone in several days.

When they arrived, police say they made contact with Belanger who was threatening to harm himself with a weapon.

A perimeter was established around the residence.

Police were assisted by Northeast Kingdom Human Services, who attempted to talk with Belanger.

During the situation, Belanger called 911 to report that he had shot himself.

Troopers gained entry into the house where they located the injured man.

He was transported to North Country Hospital with what police describe as a non-life threatening injury.

Holland goat farmer to serve 15 days in jail for animal cruelty

Published on June 29, 2016June 29, 2016 in Holland by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A 42-year-old Holland woman will have to serve 15 days in jail for animal cruelty charges, after police found starving and dead goats on her farm last May.

Stacey Lopes, 42, who now lives in Massachusetts, was sentenced after pleading guilty to three charges of cruelty to animals by depriving them of food and water, as well as one felony charge of causing them undue pain.

In May of 2015, authorities met with workers at the farm, located on the Prairie Road in Holland, after they were tipped off about dead and starving goats on the property.

The investigation determined that there were numerous dead goats on the property, along with other animals that were malnourished and living in unsanitary conditions.

A state dairy product specialist who visited the farm told investigators that the animals had no food or water, and over a dozen dead and piled at the end of the barn.

Lopes was sentenced to serve 15 days of a 18-36 month jail term for the crime.

She is also not allowed to own or care for animals as part of the plea agreement.

Photos of the proposed location for the single wind turbine in the cornfield of Dairy Air Farm in Holland.

Holland dairy farmer’s plan to bring in large wind turbine moves forward

Published on June 2, 2016June 2, 2016 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A Holland dairy farmer’s efforts to host a single-turbine wind project has taken a step forward with the Vermont Public Service Board’s recent order authorizing Dairy Air Wind a “standard offer” program contract.

Under Vermont law, the standard offer program enables small-scale renewable energy projects to secure long-term, stably priced contracts with Vermont’s electrical distribution utilities.

In 2015, dairy farmer Brian Champney contacted Vermont-based VERA Renewables, Inc. for assistance in realizing his longstanding vision for generating wind power on his farm. The successful standard offer bid for a single turbine project is the result of that collaboration.

“I am excited that our piece of the working landscape can help contribute to Vermont’s renewable energy economy and reduce Vermont’s reliance on dirty out-of-state fossil fuels,” said Champney. “At the same time, this project also helps achieve another important Vermont goal, keeping small farms like ours afloat in the face of low milk prices.”

Under the contract, the project will supply Vermont utilities with approximately 6,000,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. The energy will be generated by a single wind turbine surrounded by the cornfields of the Champney family’s 450-acre Dairy Air Farm in Holland.

“I’ve had positive responses from many of the people I’ve talked to in our community, and I look forward to gathering more input and continuing to answer questions about our proposal as we move forward to make this dairy farm a wind farm too,” said Champney.

The standard offer program’s purpose is to encourage development of renewable energy resources within Vermont, as well as the purchase of renewable power by the state’s electric distribution utilities. Vermont law directs the Public Service Board to administer the standard offer program to help the state achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help local landowners sustain their family-run dairy farm by generating renewable energy in a low-impact setting while contributing substantial tax revenue to the town, and fueling the state’s growing renewable energy economy,” Vermont renewable energy entrepreneur David Blittersdorf said in response to the news.

Blittersdorf is partnering with Dairy Air Farm and VERA Renewables to develop the project.

The project will require a certificate of public good approval from the Vermont Public Service Board before it can be built.

The project team is in the early stages of gathering data to inform the design and permitting process and will be out in the community early in the summer.

Wanted Newport fugitive found hiding in a closet in Holland

Published on May 27, 2016 in Holland/Newport/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — The U.S. Marshals Service, Vermont Violent Offender Task Force (VVOTF) arrested a fugitive in Holland, wanted for three outstanding felony arrest warrants.

Jay Gochie, 37, of Newport was picked up yesterday morning. He has been wanted by police since August 21, 2015, for underlying charges related to his parole violation which included 29 offenses.

Many of the offenses included felonies, such as six counts of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, one count of burglary, and two counts of felony forgery.

Gochie was also wanted by The Hardwick Police Department for a burglary which occurred in Hardwick on August 13, 2015.

Additionally, he was wanted by The Vermont State Police in Derby for felony vehicle operation without owner’s consent which allegedly occurred around the time of the burglary in Hardwick.

After this incident, it is alleged that Gochie was actively hiding from law enforcement, evading arrest, and had shaved his head to alter his appearance.

Police also say they believe that he was committing more burglaries while out on the run.

Gochie is no stranger to the criminal justice system. He has a significant criminal history which started when he was a teenager.

His extensive criminal history displays offenses in the Vermont counties of Orleans, Franklin, Lamoille, and Caledonia.

These charges include at least 6 burglaries of an unoccupied dwelling, escape custody from furlough, possession of narcotics, a false alarm bomb threat, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, false information to police, multiple forgery charges, several charges for violating conditions of release, and numerous charges for violation of parole.

In February 2016, Newport Probation and Parole requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Gochie, as his whereabouts were unknown.

Deputy U.S. Marshals gathered information on his possible whereabouts, and on May 26, 2016, he was finally taken into custody at a Holland residence located along the U.S. and Canadian border.

He was found hiding in a closet.

He was held on $75,000 bail.

This arrest was the result of a culmination of investigative efforts by the U.S. Marshals VVOTF, The Vermont State Police, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, The U.S. Border Patrol, and The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

From Left to right: Dana Parenteau, and boyfriend David Berube. Photo David Berube, Facebook.

Holland woman tragically killed in plane crash

Published on May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

NEWPORT — A Holland woman was tragically killed in a single-engine plane crash over Long Island on Tuesday.

Authorities say Dana E. Parenteau, 49, was a passenger in an aircraft that crashed on Cold Spring Road in Syosset, New York, at about 3:39 p.m. on Tuesday. The seven-passenger plane had three onboard. All three were killed.

The other victims have been identified as pilot David C. Berube, 66, and Benjamin Bridges, 32, both from Bristol, Connecticut.

The flight originated from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and was headed to Robertson Field in Plainville, Connecticut.

The plane, a 43-year-old Beech BE35 aircraft, suffered an in-flight breakup at approximately 7,000 feet, showering debris over a two-mile residential area, authorities said.

Berube reported to air traffic control that he was having difficulty maintaining the aircraft and that his instrumentations were malfunctioning.

Witnesses say they heard a loud boom and then saw pieces of debris falling from the sky.

Following the crash, police ordered all remaining students at three schools in the area to be held inside for safety reasons, and residents were told by the authorities to stay close to their homes.

Authorities say one body was found in the parking lot of one of the schools, another near a wooded area, and the third in Oyster Bay Cove.

The F.A.A. said that they are investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

Parenteau was an employee of Dr. Paul Julien in Newport.

Driver arrested after found passed out, parked in middle of Valley Road in Holland

Published on April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A 24-year-old man from Holland is facing DUI charges after police say an off-duty Newport police officer found him passed out inside his vehicle, parked in the middle of the road early Saturday morning.

The incident took place on the Valley Road in Holland, at around 1:30 a.m., when Newport Police Department Officer David Jacobs came upon a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road.

The vehicle, a 2012 Ford Escape, was being operated by Donald Emery.

Police say Emery was passed out behind the wheel with the vehicle still in gear, and his foot on the brake.

Officer Jacobs was able to place the vehicle in park and wake Emery up with the assistance of US Border Patrol who were in the area at the time.

Police say Emery was screened for DUI and subsequently arrested after submitting to a roadside breath test (PBT), resulting in a BAC level of .223 percent.

Jacob Hochstrasser-Borsari (middle right) shares the Pitcher Prize with Julia Gilpin, presented by College board chairman Jonathan Cowen (left) and guest speaker George Diamondoupolis, Class of 1994.

Local students earn top prizes at Stanstead College

Published on June 24, 2015 in coventry/Derby Line/Holland/Irasburg/Montgomery/Newport/Orleans by Dispatch Media

STANSTEAD, QC — Jacob Hochstrasser-Borsari of Holland was the major prize-winner at Saturday’s Baccalaureate and Prize-Giving Service for Stanstead College, held at Centenary United Church.

In addition to winning the Grade 12 prizes for Chemistry, Physics and the highest Term 3 average, Jacob won the Choir Award, the Technology Prize, the Community Service Award, the Spofforth Trophy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, the Arthur E. Curtis Jr. Award for the top student entering an engineering program, the Bowman Hall Award for a major athlete with the highest average, and the Birks Silver Medal for the highest overall average in Grade 12.

To top it all, Jacob shared the Pitcher Memorial Prize with fellow head prefect Julia Gilpin of Wemindji, Quebec. This is the school’s top prize, awarded to the student who has exerted the greatest influence for good. Headmaster Wolfe said the tie was a result of a dead heat in the voting. This is the first time since 1970 that the award has been shared.

Jacob will be studying electrical engineering at McGill University in Montreal this fall.

Ryan Fletcher, a graduating Grade 12 student from Irasburg, won the first-ever Ashworth Scholarship, awarded to a deserving local day student who consistently demonstrated effort and excelled in some area of activity. Ryan also won the Grade 12 French and Philosophy prizes, as well as the Jazz Band Award.

Ryan will be studying physics at St. Lawrence University in the fall.

Ryan Fletcher receives the first Ashworth Scholarship from former teacher Peter Ashworth.

Kaylee Bowen, a Grade 10 student from Orleans, won the Faculty-Staff Award, presented to a student who is deemed most likely to benefit from returning to the College and who exemplifies the qualities of health, wisdom and integrity. She also won the Leonard McGilton Memorial Award, presented to a senior returning local student.

Andrew Bouchard of Newport was the top student in Grade 7, winning prizes for Art, Geography, History, Math, Science and French. He also had the top overall average in Grade 7.

Emily Willis of Newport cleaned up in Grade 8, earning prizes for French, Geography, History, Math, Music, Science and the highest overall average.

Alexander Bimm of Montgomery had the highest average in Grade 9 and won the class prize for French, Math and Science. He also earned the E. Harper Junior Debating Trophy, the Thespian Shield for Acting and the Banting Award, presented to a returning local student for academic achievement.

Ian Kemp, a Grade 12 student from Coventry, won the John T. Hackett Trophy for Senior Debating. He will be studying political science at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.

Sadie Smith, Grade 11, of Montgomery earned the Billy Huckins Memorial Award for dedication, hard work, achievement and courage. Her sister Annawon the English prize for Grade 10.

Finally, Patrick Young, Grade 8, from Derby Line, won his class English prize, while the Grade 7 English prize went to Francesca Richardi of Newport Center. Elizabeth Gaudreau of Newport won the Grade 9 Music prize.

In all, 59 students graduated with a Grade 12 diploma, including five Vermont day students.

Scenes from the Dandelion Run 2015

Published on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 in Arts and Entertainment/Derby/Holland/Morgan/Newport by Dispatch Media

DERBY — A total of 291 runners took to the dirt roads on a sunny and cool Saturday morning at the height of dandelion season in the fields of Derby, Holland, and Morgan. Over 100 area youth stormed the Dandelion Run, having a blast and laying down some impressive times.

Meanwhile, locals reasserted their “home road” advantage fending off some stiff competition from all over New England and all over North America to claim the fastest times in the Half Marathon and 10 K Runs.

The Half Marathon

Local Physician Bob Primeau, 53 of Derby, claimed the win in the half with a time of 1:30:22, fending off 37-year-old Corey Puryear of Sudbury, Mass, by less than a minute and Seppo Rinne, 35, of New Haven, Connecticut by less than two minutes. Bob took home a Season Ski Pass at Q Burke Mountain Resort, along with some Couture’s maple syrup and Brault’s beef jerky.

Heather Durkel, 28 of Norwich, laid claim to the title in the women’s division, with a time of 1:42:40, also winning a Q Burke ski pass, syrup, and jerky. There were five women finishing within 10 minutes of her, including Ella Ryan (19) of Hanover, New Hampshire who finished second among the women, and Larissa Kunz, (21) of Cambridge, Mass, finished third, both just about 7 minutes behind the winning pace.

Twelve-year-old, Atticus Phinney-Anderson, of Westford, won the youth division with an impressive time of 1:58:41. To break the two hour mark at his age with these hills spoke volumes about his training, discipline, and perseverance.

Fifteen-year-old Michaela Forty, of Westford, Mass showed up and claimed first place among the female youth with an equally impressive time of 2:06:06.

10 K Course

Our very own Chris Shaffer, 39, of Newport took the 10 K with a time of 0:40:49. Mike Nolan, also of Newport, finished just 33 seconds behind, with Brian Terhear, 35, of Lyndonville just 2 minutes off the winning pace.
Chris is a teacher at NCUHS, and coach of its very talented cross country team.

Lucca Abele was the overall winner among females of the 10 K with a time of 0:48:31, narrowly beating out Chelsea Daigle of Derby Line who came in second overall, less than a minute ahead of Wendy Puryear of Sudbury, who was first among adult females.

Holland goat farmer facing animal cruelty charges

Published on May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — Police are saying that the owner of a goat farm in Holland is now facing animal cruelty charges, after police were notified last week of some dead goats on the property.

Police say that Stacey Lopes, 42, of Holland, met with State Police on Friday and was cited to appear in Orleans County Court on July 28, 2015, to answer to the charge of Animal cruelty.

Last Friday authorities, along with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, met with workers at the farm located on the Prairie Road in Holland after being tipped off about the dead goats.

They determined that there were dead goats on the property, along with other living animals. The remaining goats were turned over to another farmer. Some of the goats were in poor health and are currently being cared for.

Police said on Friday that it was determined through investigation that the animals were malnourished and living in unsanitary conditions.

They also say farm workers cooperated with investigators from the Department of Agriculture, and members of the Vermont State Police.

Police: Possible animal cruelty charges at goat farm in Holland

Published on May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — Police are reporting that last week they were notified of some dead goats at a farm in Holland. After an initial investigation the remaining animals at the location were turned over to another farm as the investigation continues, with police saying animal cruelty charges are possible.

Police say that last Friday they, along with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, met with workers at the farm, located on the Prairie Road in Holland.

They determined that there were dead goats on the farm, along with other living animals.

The remaining goats were turned over to another farmer who removed the animals from the property. Some of the goats were in poor health and are currently being cared for.

They say farm workers cooperated with investigators from the Department of Agriculture, and members of the Vermont State Police.

This investigation is being handled as a joint investigation and police say that possible animal cruelty charges are being explored.

The Dandies are Coming: The Seventh Annual Dandelion Run May 23

Published on May 10, 2015May 10, 2015 in Derby/Holland/Morgan by Dispatch Media

DERBY — The Seventh Annual Dandelion Run will be taking place on May 23rd through the world famous dandelion fields of Morgan, Holland, and Derby. Runners will be traveling from all over New England and from around the country to join a strong group of local runners, young and old.

They’ll be representing the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Tennessee, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, as well as the City of Quebec and towns all over Vermont, to Run with the dandies and join our celebration of high Spring in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom.

Runners will be taking on the challenging 13.1 mile half marathon and the “friendlier” 10K Run. Relay options are available on both courses.

Reckless Breakfast, a great contemporary bluegrass band, will be playing at the Hayward Hollow Relay Station on the day of the run, at the picnic following the run, and on Friday evening at The EastSide Restaurant, the night before the run. Patti Casey, folk singer from Middlesex, Vermont will be playing at the North Gore Relay station.

Organizers are still looking for one more musician, or group, to play at the top of Bates Hill.

The male and female winners of the half marathon will be getting a Q Burke Season Pass.

Registration is on line at www.dandelionrun.org

Truck slams into tractor in Holland Sunday afternoon

Published on February 24, 2015February 24, 2015 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — A 19-year-old man from Holland crashed his truck into a tractor on the Twin Bridges Road in Holland Sunday afternoon.

Police say Jacob Roy was traveling in a 2000 Dodge truck at around 3:26 p.m., headed down the hill and around a corner, when he struck the 2008 John Deere tractor.

Jeannot Landry, 67, also of Holland, was operating the tractor at the time, removing snow. The tractor was on the side of the roadway when it was struck.

The right rear tire was ripped off the tractor during the crash.

Roy’s truck sustained damage to the front end grill, headlights, and right side mirror.

Polcie list road conditions at the time of the crash as ice and snow covered. There were no injuries reported by police.

Truck takes out utility pole in Derby Line

Published on December 5, 2014December 5, 2014 in Derby Line/Holland/News by Dispatch Media

Photo courtesy of the Orleans County Sheriff's Department. — Photo courtesy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

DERBY LINE — A truck collided with a utility pole in Derby Line on Wednesday evening, causing a road to be closed for several hours while crews worked to get the scene cleared.

Police are saying that the driver, Timothy Staples, 24, of Holland, was traveling along Holland Valley Road, approaching the intersection of Nelson Hill Road, when he lost control of his vehicle and struck the utility pole.

Staples was not injured in the crash, but his 2009 Chevrolet Silverado sustained major front-end damage.

Deputy Jacobs arrived on scene to find the utility pole had been severed which caused power and telephone lines to hang dangerously low over the roadway. Traffic was detoured for several hours while crews worked to repair the pole.

The Vermont State Police, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the Derby Line Fire Department all assisted in the response.

Gray Farm in Holland vandalized

Published on August 18, 2014August 18, 2014 in Holland/News by Dispatch Media

HOLLAND — Police are reporting that last Tuesday, Gray Farm, located at 223 Valley Road, in Holland, was vandalized.

According to a report, on the night of August 12, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., several farm vehicles were shot with pellets.

It appeared that the pellets were shot at the windows of the vehicles, causing extensive damage.

Police are currently investigating the incident, and anyone with information pertaining to this vandalism is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police, Derby Barracks at: (802) 334-8881.

Deer causes rollover accident in Jay

Published on July 14, 2014 in Holland/Jay/News by Dispatch Media

JAY — A 21-year-old woman from Holland was involved in a rollover accident early Sunday morning in Jay.

At around 1:50 a.m., police responded to the single vehicle rollover on Vermont Route 242 near the intersection of Shallobrook Road in the town of Jay.

Victoria Petell of Holland was identified as the operator and was traveling east when she swerved to avoid colliding with a deer.

The vehicle went off the north side of the roadway, crashing into an embankment and rolling over. Petell was transported to North Country Hospital for her injuries.

Patell was driving a 2009 Kia Spectra which was totaled during the accident.